We learned that 2 brands we deal with in our business, Hoffman Media, publisher of several books and magazines (including Southern Lady Magazine), and Universal Furniture, have stepped up and are supporting Paula Deen when so many others have dropped her after the media exposed unsavory racial vocabulary she used many years ago.

Universal Furniture, (viahpe.com), the home furnishings company that markets the Paula Deen line of furniture, made this statement:

“Obviously, we feel terrible for Paula. The Paula we know – and the one I believe you have gotten to know – is not the same person as the one being portrayed in the media,” said Jeff Scheffer, the top executive at Universal, in a letter to its retailers. “We have observed her as being kind and one who treats those around her with respect. Yes, she has acknowledged saying some hurtful things but she has also apologized, and we accept that. We also feel equally dismayed for those hurt by Paula’s remarks, which for certain do not represent our own diverse culture and beliefs at Universal.
After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with the Paula Deen brand and will continue to market her collections as the Paula Deen Home Collection from Universal Furniture.”

Hoffman Media (via pjmedia.com) stated that they will continue to publish Paula Deen’s magazine, and they will also pick up her new cookbook, Paula Deen’s New Testament, for publishing, Celebrity Cafe.

In a press release, the company stated:

In response to recent news coverage, Hoffman Media, LLC (HM), a leading special-interest publisher based in Birmingham, Alabama, and publisher ofCooking with Paula Deen magazine, announced that it is continuing to publish the magazine.

Eric Hoffman, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Hoffman Media, released the following statement:

“Hoffman Media has worked closely with Ms. Deen since 2005. The recent images portrayed by the media do not reflect the person we know on a personal or a professional level.

“In the eight years that we have collaborated with Ms. Deen, we have witnessed her consistent generosity toward numerous charities, from hunger relief and battered women to a Savannah-based orphanage, to name a few. Most recently, she launched The Bag Lady Foundation to empower women and families in their time of need.”

In closing, Mr. Hoffman said: “We are aware of the hurt that has been generated in the media in recent weeks. To be clear, Hoffman Media does not condone the use of offensive, discriminatory language or behavior. With that said, we feel that Ms. Deen’s apology for past indiscretions was heartfelt and genuine. Our partnership will move forward with greater sensitivity and understanding.”

This quote seems apropos…….

“Walk with me for awhile, my friend—you in my shoes, I in yours—and then let us talk.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich